Marseille: Catamaran rental by the day

Why You’ll Love This Catamaran Rental in Marseille

Picture yourself in the famous Vieux Port of Marseille, stepping aboard a sleek, luxury cruising catamaran with enough space and comfort for your family or friends. Priced at $1,931 for up to 12 people, this seven-hour private experience offers both the thrill of sailing and serene anchoring in beautiful spots like the Frioul Islands. The program includes sailing, swimming, and relaxing, all supervised by a licensed skipper who knows these waters well.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is the full privatization, meaning you won’t be sharing the boat with strangers, and you can tailor the day to your group’s interests—whether that’s sailing, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun. Plus, the boat meets commercial and safety standards, ensuring peace of mind during your voyage.

A potential consideration is that food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to bring your own provisions. This can be a fun way to personalize your experience—perhaps a picnic or favorite beverages—though it does require some planning beforehand.

This experience is perfect for those who love private, flexible days at sea with loved ones, and want to explore Marseille’s coast from a comfortable and stylish boat. It suits travelers eager for a customized day of sailing with options for swimming and lounging in a scenic setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Private and customizable: Tailor your day on the water with sailing, swimming, and relaxing options.
• Luxury and safety: Enjoy a high-standard, well-maintained catamaran with a licensed skipper.
• Flexible experience: Choose your activities, with discussions with the skipper to suit your preferences.
• Bring your own provisions: Food and drinks are not included, allowing for personalized picnic experiences.
• Ideal for groups: Up to 12 people, making it a great way to share special moments with friends or family.
• Depart from Marseille’s Vieux Port: A lively, historic starting point in the heart of the city.

Exploring the Experience: What’s It Really Like?

Imagine stepping onto a beautifully maintained luxury catamaran right in Marseille’s bustling Vieux Port, the historic heart of the city. The boat itself is a highlight—spacious, modern, and built to the highest safety standards. As you settle in, the skipper is there to chat about the day’s plans, weather conditions, and what everyone hopes to see or do.

The seven-hour itinerary offers a relaxed yet engaging experience. Depending on the wind and your mood, the boat might head towards the Frioul Islands, famous for their rugged beauty and tranquil coves. The voyage is not just about sailing; it’s about experiencing the freedom of the sea, watching Marseille’s skyline recede as you glide through sparkling waters.

Sailing is the core activity—if you’re into that, you’ll love the way the boat moves through the waves, under the guidance of your licensed skipper. For those who prefer a slower pace, the boat stops at idyllic spots for swimming and snorkeling. The reviews mention “swimming stops, meals, and idleness,” which are perfect for soaking up the scenery and taking in the peaceful surroundings.

The anchorage points in the Frioul Islands are particularly noteworthy. As one reviewer shared, “we alternated between sailing and swimming, and the scenery was just magnificent.” It’s not just about the water; the views of Marseille, the coast, and the islands create a stunning backdrop for your day.

Since food and drinks are not included, many groups bring their own picnic—think fresh baguettes, cheeses, fruits, and perhaps a bottle of wine or two. Bringing biodegradable sunscreen and water is essential, and the boat’s large deck makes for perfect sunbathing or shade-seeking.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée
Your day begins here, a landmark near the port that’s easy to access from most parts of Marseille. It’s a lively spot, giving you a chance to soak in some local culture before heading onto the water.

The Main Journey: Frioul archipelago
Once aboard, the boat sets sail for the Frioul Islands, a cluster of rugged, uninhabited islets just off the coast. This area is known for its crystal-clear waters, rocky coves, and peaceful atmosphere—ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The boat cruise itself is a treat, with plenty of opportunities to stand-up paddleboard or just relax on deck.

Swimming and Snorkeling
Most of the time, the program revolves around swimming and marine life viewing. You might spot schools of fish or colorful marine organisms, making it a perfect excursion for nature lovers. Reviewers have appreciated the chance to “enjoy magnificent scenery” and “do some snorkeling in clear waters.”

Relaxation and Lunch
You’re free to bring your own food and drinks, which you can enjoy on deck while taking in the panoramic views. The freedom to tailor your time—whether that’s lounging, chatting, or jumping into the water—is what makes this experience stand out.

Return to Marseille
After a full day at sea, the boat heads back to the starting point, passing by the coast and offering one last chance to appreciate Marseille from a different perspective. The return journey is often described as peaceful, with many guests feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

What’s Included and What to Prepare

Included:
– Full privatization of the catamaran
– Licensed skipper familiar with local waters
– Safety standards adhered to

Not Included:
– Food and beverages—your responsibility to bring your own picnic or drinks. This is a great chance to pack your favorite snacks or a bottle of local wine to enjoy in style.

What to Bring:
– Passport or ID
– Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
– Change of clothes and towel
– Camera to capture the stunning scenery
– Food and drinks for your group—consider including biodegradable sunscreen as well
– Water to stay hydrated
– Beachwear and comfortable clothes for swimming and lounging
– Motion sickness prevention, if needed

This list ensures you’re well-equipped for a comfortable and enjoyable day at sea.

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The Value and Who It’s Best For

While the price of roughly $1,931 might seem substantial at first glance, remember that this is for a private group of up to 12 people. That works out to around $160 per person, making it a reasonable expense for a full day of personalized, luxurious sailing and water activities. Plus, the full privatization means no sharing your experience with strangers—ideal for special occasions or just a memorable escape with close friends or family.

This tour is especially suited for groups who value flexibility and privacy. If you love the idea of customizing your day, controlling the pace, and enjoying a scenic sailing adventure, this experience will hit the mark. It also offers a fantastic way to see parts of Marseille’s coast that are hard to reach from land, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxing in a scenic setting.

However, travelers who prefer an all-inclusive experience with meals included or who are seeking guided sightseeing might find this a bit too flexible or self-directed. It’s best for those comfortable with bringing their own provisions and planning a bit ahead.

FAQs

Is food and drinks included in the price?
No, food and beverages are not included. You’ll need to bring your own picnic and drinks to enjoy onboard.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, providing ample time to sail, swim, and relax without feeling rushed.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, hat, change of clothes, towel, camera, food and drinks, water, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable beachwear.

Is it suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the private nature and water activities suggest it could be family-friendly, but always check with the provider about age restrictions.

Is the boat licensed and safe?
Yes, the catamaran meets safety and commercial standards, and is operated by a licensed skipper.

What kind of scenery will I see?
You’ll enjoy views of Marseille’s coast, the historic port, and the Frioul Islands, with plenty of opportunities for scenic photos.

Final Thoughts

This private catamaran experience in Marseille offers a rare blend of luxury, flexibility, and scenic beauty. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking an exclusive day on the water, away from crowded tours, with the chance to customize your itinerary. Whether you want a relaxing day of sunbathing and swimming or an active sailing adventure, this tour provides the tools to make it happen.

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the coast, enjoy high standards of safety and comfort, and share a special experience with loved ones, this tour hits all those marks. Just remember to pack your provisions, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for a memorable day on Marseille’s sparkling waters.

Enjoy your trip, and may your sea days be filled with sunshine, good company, and unforgettable views!

You can check availability for your dates here: